DUI From Prescription Drugs in Central Kentucky | Lexington Impaired Driving

DUI without alcohol:  is it possible?  Impaired driving has typically been associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, but it is possible to receive a DUI conviction for driving under the influence of prescription drugs.  Although some people require medication in order to function properly, certain prescription drugs that act on the brain actually impair a driver’s motor skills, judgment, and reaction time, putting the driver and others on the roadway at risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Opiate analgesics and benzodiazepines, for example, among other prescribed drugs, interact with brain systems in a way that driving abilities can be impaired.

How do you know if your medication is dangerous when it comes to driving under its influence?  The answer may not always be this simple, but many medicines have warnings on the label or in an information booklet given to patients that state the dangers of operating motor vehicles or machinery.  Included in the pamphlet should be information about the amount of time a patient should wait after taking the medicine before getting behind the wheel, as well as the other side effects that may result from taking the drug.  Abusing prescription drugs is an even more serious issue:  overdosing on medications, taking someone else’s prescribed medicine, or taking prescription drugs without medical approval or supervision can all lead to devastating consequences, especially on the roadway.

Just how many drivers on U.S. roadways are driving while impaired by drugs?  The National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA) found in 2007 that over sixteen percent of evening and weekend drivers were actively using over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs.

If you have been injured in a central Kentucky, Fayette County, or Lexington auto accident caused by an impaired driver and have questions concerning your rights and how to proceed in your unique situation, feel free to contact KY personal injury attorney Scott Crosbie online or at 866-239-0039.  Crosbie will provide you with free resources and answers to questions at no obligation to you.